GHURA chief's case could be dismissed

Working sessions or secret board meetings? On Monday, one of seven defendants charged with violating the Open Government Law enters a deferred plea. If all goes well, GHURA Executive Director Michael Duenas will have his case dismissed and expunged. His testimony could prove invaluable to the government's case.

Judge Anita Sukola asked Duenas, "How do you plea at this time to the forty-sixth charge of conspiracy as a misdemeanor, a violation of 9GCA1330?" He replied, "Guilty, Your Honor." She asked, "Are you pleading guilty because you are guilty?", with Duenas responding, "Yes, Your Honor." Duenas entered a deferred plea with the government for a single charge of conspiracy as a misdemeanor.

Last year, Duenas and GHURA's David Sablan, Cecile Suda, John Ilao, Rosie Blas, Roland Selvidge, and Deanne Torre were charged with various misdemeanor charges including conspiracy, official misconduct, and violating the Open Government Law.

Court documents state admissions from some board members to investigators revealed commissioners met for "working sessions" to determine how they'd vote during meetings, including how they'd facilitate the award of millions in tax credits under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program.

While his co-defendants have filed motions to sever their cases or have their charges dismissed, Chief Prosecutor Joseph McDonald commends Duenas for his bravery, saying, "He's taken a very brave step. 0055 and decided that he would like to cooperate and provide assistance to the government. And i think that that's important and it shows quite a bit to his character."

He added, "If everything goes as planned, then mr. Duenas has agreed to testify and testify truthfully and provide cooperation. If everything goes as planned, the charges will be dismissed."

The case, McDonald hopes, will set the example - there's zero tolerance for corruption in GovGuam, adding, "It's important to have transparency in the running of the boards. You can see that even though it is a misdemeanor, what we're really interested in is upholding the policy of the law which is to have transparency, so the people can see how they're being governed. And they don't yield to the decision makers and actually understand what is public business in front of the public."

No word yet if Duenas' position at GHURA will be affected by this case. "I'm not able to comment on that. I believe that it's an appointed position, so it'll be up to the governor. I will say that Mr. Duenas is a valued public servant and he's been with the government for a very long time," he said.

Sablan, Suda, Ilao, Blas, Selvidge, and Torre, meanwhile, are set to appear in court next month.

Guam High School and surrounding homes at Naval Hospital have been evacuated after a bomb threat is called in Thursday afternoon. The threat specifically targeted the school. GPD and Navy police are sweeping the area with K-9 units. The Naval Base Guam Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit is standing by in the event anything is found. Guam Homeland Security officials say all measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the public and first responders involved.

Guam High School and surrounding homes at Naval Hospital have been evacuated after a bomb threat is called in Thursday afternoon. The threat specifically targeted the school. GPD and Navy police are sweeping the area with K-9 units. The Naval Base Guam Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit is standing by in the event anything is found. Guam Homeland Security officials say all measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the public and first responders involved.

He was pulled over for having no tags on his license plates, but is now facing drug charges. Lan Allen Carrick is charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance. During the traffic stop, the officer noticed several opens beer cans inside the car. The suspect later admitting he had a glass pipe used to smoke the drug, ICE. Police found the pipe with meth residue, a clear zip-lock bag with white residue, and a heat modified plastic straw.More >>

He was pulled over for having no tags on his license plates, but is now facing drug charges. Lan Allen Carrick is charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance. During the traffic stop, the officer noticed several opens beer cans inside the car. The suspect later admitting he had a glass pipe used to smoke the drug, ICE. Police found the pipe with meth residue, a clear zip-lock bag with white residue, and a heat modified plastic straw.More >>

He wants to plead insanity. A plea deal is in the works for a man accused in a hostage and police standoff from last April. But it seems the suspect, Vincent Philip Siguenza Cruz, is now claiming he has an insanity defense. He appeared in court today. Last April, Cruz allegedly held police at bay for hours and took a family hostage. One of the hostages took him down before his arrest. Negotiations for his plea will have to be settled before he returns to court at a later date.More >>

He wants to plead insanity. A plea deal is in the works for a man accused in a hostage and police standoff from last April. But it seems the suspect, Vincent Philip Siguenza Cruz, is now claiming he has an insanity defense. He appeared in court today. Last April, Cruz allegedly held police at bay for hours and took a family hostage. One of the hostages took him down before his arrest. Negotiations for his plea will have to be settled before he returns to court at a later date.More >>

The Guam Waterworks Authority broke ground on the latest in a series of projects to upgraded the reservoir system. The rehabilitation and replacement of large tanks like the one next to Nissan Motors in Upper Tumon is part of a long-standing federal consent decree. GWA General Manager Miguel Bordallo told KUAM News, "This $14 million project is critical for us to meet our court ordered requirements, but also for improving the delivery of reliable water service in the centr...More >>

The Guam Waterworks Authority broke ground on the latest in a series of projects to upgraded the reservoir system. The rehabilitation and replacement of large tanks like the one next to Nissan Motors in Upper Tumon is part of a long-standing federal consent decree. GWA General Manager Miguel Bordallo told KUAM News, "This $14 million project is critical for us to meet our court ordered requirements, but also for improving the delivery of reliable water service in the centr...More >>

One named defendant in the clergy sexual abuse lawsuits fires back. Filed today in the District Court of Guam, Joe R. San Agustin, also known as Father Andrew San Agustin, responds to allegations of clergy sexual abuse and agrees for a request for a jury trial. If you recall, the former priest was named in a civil complaint filed by B.T., who was only identified by her initials to protect her identity. B.T. alleged San Agustin brought her and her sister to Guam for vacation. He all...More >>

One named defendant in the clergy sexual abuse lawsuits fires back. Filed today in the District Court of Guam, Joe R. San Agustin, also known as Father Andrew San Agustin, responds to allegations of clergy sexual abuse and agrees for a request for a jury trial. If you recall, the former priest was named in a civil complaint filed by B.T., who was only identified by her initials to protect her identity. B.T. alleged San Agustin brought her and her sister to Guam for vacation. He all...More >>

The cutbacks keep on coming, as the Guam Power Authority has been working on its cost containment measures. GPA assistant general manager Melinda Camacho says it's been quite the challenge with the manpower they currently have. A plus, however, is they are able to keep the lights on. "We've maintained our overtime below our budget, we have not hired personnel. So as we even in generation, as retirees just through natural attrition, they are out there. So we are not hiring and we...More >>

The cutbacks keep on coming, as the Guam Power Authority has been working on its cost containment measures. GPA assistant general manager Melinda Camacho says it's been quite the challenge with the manpower they currently have. A plus, however, is they are able to keep the lights on. "We've maintained our overtime below our budget, we have not hired personnel. So as we even in generation, as retirees just through natural attrition, they are out there. So we are not hiring and we...More >>

Bench warrants have been issued for two men arrested on drug charges. Jason Ortiola and Roger Balicha were no-shows to their Wednesday hearing. They have also repeatedly failed to report to probation for regular check-ins, as ordered by the court. Ortiola, we should note, is a former GPD officer who was fired from the force and sentenced in federal court for selling the drug "ICE" while in uniform with his duty weapon. Bail was set at $5,000 each for Ortiola and Balicha. C...More >>

Bench warrants have been issued for two men arrested on drug charges. Jason Ortiola and Roger Balicha were no-shows to their Wednesday hearing. They have also repeatedly failed to report to probation for regular check-ins, as ordered by the court. Ortiola, we should note, is a former GPD officer who was fired from the force and sentenced in federal court for selling the drug "ICE" while in uniform with his duty weapon. Bail was set at $5,000 each for Ortiola and Balicha. C...More >>

A 33 year old man is under arrest after he allegedly threatened to kill several people at a home in Harmon. Milk Manutae is charged with two counts of aggravated assault, terrorizing, and criminal mischief. Court documents state, the suspect was holding a knife and a machete while making the alleged threats He is accused of hitting the door repeatedly with the machete, while those living there were inside the home. He is also accused of throwing rocks to one victim and towards one of...More >>

A 33 year old man is under arrest after he allegedly threatened to kill several people at a home in Harmon. Milk Manutae is charged with two counts of aggravated assault, terrorizing, and criminal mischief. Court documents state, the suspect was holding a knife and a machete while making the alleged threats He is accused of hitting the door repeatedly with the machete, while those living there were inside the home. He is also accused of throwing rocks to one victim and towards one of...More >>

He tried to hide out from police inside the abandoned Guam Rehab Center when he was caught with drugs. 25 year old Osupwang Mutirok is charged with possession of schedule II controlled substance. Court document state, police saw a man in Upper Tumon who matched the description of a suspect involved in a reported theft. When the officer asked for ID, the suspect ran away attempting to hide inside a building nearby. Police were able to find him along with a glass pipe containing the dr...More >>

He tried to hide out from police inside the abandoned Guam Rehab Center when he was caught with drugs. 25 year old Osupwang Mutirok is charged with possession of schedule II controlled substance. Court document state, police saw a man in Upper Tumon who matched the description of a suspect involved in a reported theft. When the officer asked for ID, the suspect ran away attempting to hide inside a building nearby. Police were able to find him along with a glass pipe containing the dr...More >>